Society’s Writers…

Society’s Writers…

By Raoul Blanco

A title that must be carried with class, intelligent, good taste among many others adjectives…

These days there is so much out there to read and much of this is good and free; social media, blogs, online magazines and free stands magazines among many others.  There is also much mediocre material that will last just a couple of seasons if lucky…  That’s when writers can make a difference…

As a fashion designer, I had work in the past with many major fashion designers and companies, hand by hand, domestic and overseas…  Fashion companies put all the weight of their success in the hands of their designers and merchandisers, no the sales team, sales team comes after, they have to sell what merchandisers and designers had develop for the season.  The sales team is a big chunk of the company; marketing, salesmen, stylists and many others, their success is also in the hands of the designers and merchandisers, if the line or collection is mediocre or not good at all, it will not sell.  Many of these designers and merchandisers think as “stars”, WRONG!  If the line or collection doesn’t sell they are up to be let go by the company…   The “stars” are the clients or customers, they are the ones that will call you and will grant you the title “designer”…  This little story relates to the main subject of this write-up, “Society’s Writers”…  I guess it will apply to any writer, indeed…

Being in this career for many years, fashion designer and in the fashion industry, I have had my fair share with society’s writers, editors and publishers.  I have learned from my mentors , people that I respect immensely and care dearly that to learn well one of the basic rules is to answer a question with another question…  And I have learned from one of my Divas a very funny and smart thing when she said, “We Italians sleeps with one eye open”… J

As in my field, I respect when a writer pull out of his/ her briefcase or purse a notepad, a pencil/pen and a camera…  Computers are used at the end…   A society’s writer is recognized and granted his/her title when society calls this one to participate in their events.  If the writer has to call to be in, then that makes him/her a journalist or as known now a “content provider”…  I have witnessed society’s writers that walk into an event or place waiting for people to come up to them and give them the glory, you know, those are the ones with the “star” tag on their forehead, sad…  Those will not last…  I believe you must earn first your place in society by showing your true talent and expertise, and then you will earn society’s respect…  Remember, society can get you in but also can kick you out…

To the ones society respects, you know who you are, bravo!!!  To the “stars”, hope you learn so you may last…

Good luck…

Raoul Blanco

  

Out with the old, in with the new… Patricia Gannon

Out with the old, in with the new…

9:35 AM; just received my Acadiana Advocate newspaper…  Looked for my favorite column, “Fête”…  Ms. Divine, Patricia Gannon, wrote the most marvelous introduction about her new home and state…  While reading, it felts like she was right there, in front of me, telling me with her own fabulous voice her new take with the ones that best know her, Society.  Ladies and gentlemen, this lady doesn’t write, this lady talks through the paper’s pages…  What an artist, indeed…

Raoul Blanco

http://theadvocate.com/news/acadiana/7626042-123/out-with-the-old-in

Ms. Patricia Gannon - Society Writer

The fabulous Ms. Patricia Gannon...

One of America's and Acadiana's best writer the fabulous Ms. Patricia Gannon now with the "Acadiana Advocate" and twice per week! Congratulations Ms. Gannon! You will be follow... And thank you Acadiana Advocate...

http://theadvocate.com/home/7554046-125/patricia-gannon-to-cover-lafayette

Peridot color in Raoul Blanco's Fall 2014 Collection...

There will be few peridot color structured coats in my Fall 2014 Collection, so I decided to play with some crystals among that shade.  The big bead in the middle was given to me by my partner, he got this from a lady that claimed she design and create her own stones.  This one is beautiful and hard to see its details in this picture.  I had it for many years and finally now I got to use it...


Design by Raoul Blanco

Raoul Blanco's Fall 2014 Couture Collection - Jewelry

Glass pearls, ruby red crystals and glass gold seeds necklace and bracelet in Raoul Blanco's Fall 2014 Couture Collection.

Design by Raoul Blanco

Raoul Blanco Couture Circle presents the "Five Best Dressed Ladies of Louisiana 2013" - Ms. Nadine Carter Russell

Nadine Carter Russell

By Raoul Blanco

When I first met with Ms. Nadine Carter Russell in my office I noticed and amazing sparkle of taste for colors in her eyes, not knowing then that among other things this lady was and is all about arts, the real thing…  Wonderful lady, divine human being…

In our first interview I gave Ms. Russell a home assignment, I put in her hands few fashion magazines from Paris’ runway shows and asked her to take these home with her and mark all of those designs that she liked the most, just for me to have an idea about what she thought about herself and what she likes…  A couple of weeks later we met for a second time and her assignment was completed…  When I browsed over the pages that Ms. Russell marked with sticky note papers, I looked straight into her eyes and asked her, “Why did you marked these?  You know these are not you, why???  She was speechless and a moment later she replied, “Oh my, you’re correct Raoul!” 

See, all she chose were designs in white, beige or gold…  These are what I call “the absent of colors”, and so do black.  There’s nothing wrong with anyone liking these shades, but that was not Nadine…  I found out that during that time Ms. Russell’s matriarch, beloved Aunt Paula’s health was declining.  These two ladies were always together and the love for each other was very well known by everyone among them, they were like mother and daughter…  So that explained everything, there were color in her eyes but due to the circumstances Ms. Russell color’s palate was in a down mode.

For our next meeting, Ms. Russell extended an invitation to me to come to her house, I accepted immediately, that’s the best way to know someone, as I always say, “Your house is your temple and so do mine”…  When Ms. Russell open her home doors and welcomed me I just stood in one spot while my brain absorbed her marvelous world….  Oh my, I was indeed right!  I felt as I was part of this magnificent fresco and fabulous collage!  There was before my eyes an empire of colors and display of delightful pieces of art.  Cathedral ceilings that I know Michelangelo would’ve a marvelous time using for his frescos…  Real beauty all over, indeed…

Ms. Russell private closets, again, they proved me right, this part is completely out of this write-up…  Yes, I believe I say “private”…  Excellent taste is Ms. Russell second name, bravo!  I’m so very grateful that this lady allowed me into her life, thank you dear Nadine… 

So here I proudly present to you Ms. Nadine Carter Russell, one of my “Five Best Dressed Ladies of Louisiana 2013”…  

Nadine Carter Russell

By Ms. Patricia Gannon - Society writer

A youthful voice is her best accessory, yet there’s no trace of the New York she grew up in or the Baton Rouge she’s retired to. Nadine Carter Russell spent a lifetime in art galleries and her spare time as a volunteer for the arts, animals and hospitals. “A variety,” she says. It fits well with her style, which she characterizes as whatever she feels like at the time.  Russell goes in a lot of directions, a true fashion eclectic.

Her philosophy is the same one shared with art collectors over the years. “If it says ‘Take me home’, buy it. That’s how I am with both furnishings and fashion.”

For everyday she likes Eileen Fisher but custom couture is her preferred mode. “Chanel I love, even though I don’t always fit into it very well,” she quips.  “And I love seersucker and Eskandar sweaters.” Her style mentors were her mothers and aunts, and the fashion genetics were obviously passed down. “My mother had presence, when she walked into a room, people turned, and my aunts were elegant also.”

A traveler who has packing down to a science (“I don’t like to check luggage”) Russell is on her way to Europe with plans for Africa also. Not bad for turning 70. Why she was chosen?  She thinks it’s her accessories and perhaps her vitality. “I’m older and not skinny,” she said, planning to wear her seersucker pantsuit. “There’s one drawback. Now I can’t go to the grocery store without dressing.”

A best dressed...

As a stylist, fashion and technical designer, there are three main factors I take in consideration when defining the term “Best Dressed.”

There is no need to be a size “0” and absolutely no need to be in your 20s.  There are divine best dressed ladies in their grand 80s and other ones that possess full figures and healthy sizes.

To be a “best dressed,” you must be a natural and possess unique qualities.  The main factors are volume, balance and character.  And there are many very important categories under each of these factors.  As a style consultant and designer it is my duty to be honest and guide an individual properly throughout this process.

I take all these factors  a little further and mix them with my  technical knowledge, always taking into  consideration the individual “personal flair.”  I had seen many times how many individuals in the professional, artistic or high power ends are dressed and advise by many of these very costly personal stylists and the results at the end are sad flops…  That’s when these individuals end up in the “don’t” list.

A best-dressed woman or gentleman possesses their own very personal style; I call it “flair.”  If you wear or buy a specific item or color just because someone says, “That’s what’s in and everyone is wearing it,” then you’re not a best dressed, you’re just a follower.

Also, it is very important that you wear your ensemble; the ensemble shouldn’t wear you.

A personal stylist is a person who advises his or her clients about trends, colors, make-up and styles.  A style editor will copy and paste what personal stylists, buyers, merchandisers and designers dictate for the seasons.  Not many style editors or personal stylists possess the necessary flair to predict what designers are thinking about or what the next season is projected to be.

Many times a stylist is hired to help the client find and develop a look, and many times these stylists just take in consideration what they read, see in stores, or browse in fashion magazines. WRONG!  You will never be a real best dressed if you follow that approach. You just will be a great copycat, at best.

Remember, if you want to be a “Best Dressed,” you must find your own personal flair. Then be careful with the volume, study the balance and, finally, define the character.

You may just end up in the next “Best Dressed” list…

I’ll be watching…

Design by Raoul Blanco

Gia...

Gia......

There was no one like her in front of a camera... I remember this amazing human statue, covered hundreds of top fashion publications, desired by many designers and photographers worldwide... Breathless beauty taken away by the evil heroin addiction and AIDS... See, even the fashion world has its dark side, we must learn how to stay were there's always light and avoid the shadows, even at night... R.I.P. diva! And thank you for the marvelous years you had given us of beauty and stardom...

Raoul Blanco 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZqpkKvaZsQ

Raoul Blanco Couture Circle presents the "Five Best Dressed Ladies of Louisiana 2013" - Mrs. Mary Ann Mirian

Wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and incredible human being...  A rare, beautiful and fabulous gem very difficult to find...

Raoul Blanco

Mary Ann Mirian

by Patricia Gannon - Society writer

Mary Ann Mirian believes charity begins at home. A Realtor since 1994, she’s involved with work and family, a husband, and two daughters, the oldest of which is her business partner. “My youngest just graduated from UL cum laude,” Mirian adds proudly.  They enjoy weekly if not tri-weekly get-togethers still and she credits a career that allowed her to be a part of their lives growing up.  “I don’t think they thought I worked,” she said. “They also tell me I’m stuck in the 80s.”

Neither knows yet their mother’s one of Louisiana’s Five Best-Dressed Women.  “I want to tell them in person to see their faces,” she laughed.

Mirian is dramatic and makes no apology.  “I have one life to live,” she says. “If I get killed today, at least I’ll die looking the way I like.”

She also buys what she likes, but what Mirian ends up liking are designers, especially Italian and Brazilian. As she talks, she’s scouting a pair of Brazilian shoes online to see if she can get a better price. She shops a diverse set of stores—none of which are stuck in the 80s—and believes in expressing yourself through clothes. She admits this may have been a factor in her selection.

“My daughters laugh at me and tell me I stand out, even when I go to pick blueberries,” she said.

We’ll bet they’re not laughing now.

The governor's wife, part II...

Well ladies and gentlemen, and reviews regarding "The governor's wife" keeps coming to my channel sent by my followers after my previous post... I know that some local media have described this thing as a marvelous show to watch, even giving to this cover feature and display... I'm sorry but I don't agree to that. Yes, I do know it may have their followers and respect that, but also hope that people out there know that here in Louisiana we can put good things together that are worth to watch and that we have the high level, passion, beautiful traditions, proper standards, class and art to do so... And here go the reviews, enjoy it:

1.Gambit didn't offer any friendlier an assessment…

Your interest in — or tolerance for — A&E’s new “reality” series The Governor’s Wife will be tested in the opening minutes of the first episode, at the very point where thirtyish Trina Scott Edwards, the bride of former Gov. Edwin Edwards, talks about her desire to have a child with him and mentions harvesting the 85-year-old’s previously frozen “baby gravy.”
The Governor’s Wife was filmed in 2012 but delayed several times by the cable network (Edwin is now 86, and the “baby gravy” plan resulted in a son, Eli, born in August). A few curious Louisianans may tune in for Episode 1, but it’ll be a tall order getting anyone back for a second installment.

2.And even John Maginnis wasn’t too thrilled…

When the previews of The Governor’s Wife first aired, my response was that it would be both unwatchable and unmissable, much like a train wreck. It was that way in viewing its debut on A&E Sunday night, but when the second 30-minute episode started right afterward, two train wrecks were too many.
This is pretty awful TV, as it makes Duck Dynasty look like Masterpiece Theater. But given that American Hoggers and Swamp People have secured their places in the vast wasteland of reality programming, who’s to say that The Governor’s Wife won’t find its audience?
For its image, Louisiana should be so unlucky.

3.The Hollywood Reporter didn’t like it…

“Interesting” is a relative here, though. While Louisianians might feel compelled to tune in just to see what’s been going on with Edwards, A&E might want to start looking for their return receipt for this Louisiana purchase.

4.Nor did the New York Times…

People marvel at the resourcefulness — and Dickensian plight — of waste recyclers in Mumbai shantytowns, those so-called slumdogs who gather, sort, crush and reconstitute mountains of paper, plastics, metals and glass.
But American television, while not quite as efficient, also has a rather impressive way of recycling dirt.

5.And The AV Club also gave it a thumbs down:

Like the documentary Queen Of Versailles, The Governor’s Wife is sad in ways that its onscreen participants couldn’t anticipate—the Edwards’ reveling looks so much chintzier than Trina seems to realize. The show also taps into a tradition that doesn’t function the way it used to: After Katrina and the lingering effects of an economic collapse (fed in part by disappointing returns on the massive New Orleans casino that was meant to be Edwards’ true legacy), Louisiana no longer celebrates the entertaining crookedness of its politicians. By trying to build a reality show on the dead ground of a discredited mythology, A&E has combined the worst of both worlds.

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The governor's wife...

A reason as per why society don't mix with celebrities... 

The governor's wife...  Hum...

Brian Lowry
TV Columnist
@blowryontv

Finally, a sitcom with an 86-year-old leading man. If only it weren’t (sort of) real. Creepy on almost every level, A&E’s “The Governor’s Wife” couldn’t reanimate Anna Nicole Smith, so it goes for the next best thing: Trina, the 35-year-old wife of former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards, and thus the stepmother to his two 60-something daughters. Blond and buxom, Trina would be the ostensible star of the show if Edwin (also an ex-con) wasn’t so much more interesting, although the producers conveniently skip all the obvious questions, starting with how the hell this whole relationship happened.

As has become increasingly common in unscripted comedy circles, “Governor’s Wife” pretty much dives right into the deep end, offering no explanation about how or why Trina (the mother of two teenage boys; do the math) would be attracted to Edwards, other than his obvious jokes about her being a gold-digger who wants what’s left of his money.

“You’re only as young as the woman you feel,” Edwards says right up front, a line that sounds as rehearsed as a stump speech.

The other glaring omission, at least for TV viewers without the impulse to Google the matter, is exactly why Edwards served time in jail, which is referenced, then ignored. So let the record show he went to federal prison for corruption charges that included extortion and racketeering related to riverboat gambling licenses. His relationship the former Trina Grimes Scott began during his incarceration, and the two married in 2011, six months after his release and requisite house detention.

In other words, just your typical storybook reality-TV romance.

Instead of such niggling details, “Governor’s Wife” heads straight for sitcom “A” and “B” plots, with Trina deciding to throw a surprise party for Edwin’s birthday, where she intends to pop out of a cake. And if that’s not enough, she also breaks the news to Edwin’s daughters, Anna and Victoria (smoking extended electronic cigarettes, the latter bears a slight resemblance to Cruella De Vil), that the two are planning to have a baby, despite the actuarial odds against dad being around long enough to see the little tyke finish elementary school.

Since almost nobody is likely to identify with the principals (in the way one can, say, with the struggles of the “Honey Boo Boo” clan), “Governor’s Wife” qualifies as another freakshow – essentially “Extreme Trophy Wife,” to put a TLC spin on it.

History has shown there is an audience for that, but even all that Cajun cooking doesn’t make Edwin’s dish or her rusty old spoon any more appetizing.

At the Old Governor's Mansion, Baton Rouge

A fabulous evening and event among Mr. and Mrs. Mike Strain and next to me the beautiful Ms. Jennifer Scialdone LeBlanc, at the Old Governor's Mansion, Baton Rouge.

Raoul Blanco Couture Circle presents the "Five Best Dressed Ladies of Louisiana 2013" - Mrs. Carolyn French

Carolyn French
By Patricia Gannon - Society writer

Carolyn French is ready. Ferragamo shoes, a Chanel skirt topped by an Armani blouse and jacket and some Swarovksi pearls-- and that’s for work—she looks every inch the financial advisor she is. Serving homemade limoncello, she jokingly refers to her style as “genial dowager” when in reality she’s anything but. It’s more like understated elegance.

French tries to shop locally. “I love this community,” she says, which has allowed her to have a leadership role in causes too numerous to name. “But some designs that fit me best are not available here.”

She believes in dressing well daily rather than waiting for celebratory moments. Many of her clothes harbor memories and are outward and visible reminders of the past, like the silk blouse she bought on a shoestring college budget while working on dual degrees.

Labels are not important to French but she likes good quality fabrics.  “I used to sew and I appreciate the workmanship,” she said. “Chanel linings are hemstitched, and I love Valentino’s precision.”

French wears her fashion emotions on her sleeve, so to speak. “I’ve always wanted to show respect. That’s why we dress up,” she explained.

As to her selection, “I think I must have fit the template of what they liked. I’m feminine and consistent.”

Models I can't live without....

I have being always fortunate with my model’s line-up.  I guess because I cast them myself, there is no better way…  The call and process is simple, I place a casting call throughout the different social media and models will come to the casting site and try for that spot in the show…  Being the designer I know what I want.  I was a runway coach in my earliest years so I also know how they should walk and poise.  Finally, they must give me that look…  And what’s the look???  My clients are the look, as simple as that.

Designers always have their favorites, yes, are those birds of the paradise we can’t live without.  Some will become our muses and others our stable models.  It’s a relationship between designer and the runway divas.  These ladies get to know us extremely well, they know what we like and what we don’t, just like our clients…  Many of them keep airing for us on the runway for many years; it’s difficult to let them go.  Others, their careers wouldn't last as long, that’s the sad truth…

I appreciate my models; they are my live canvas, my runway gems…   And yes, there are some I can’t live without…  To you, thank you ladies!

Raoul

Photos By Mr. Kevin Ste Marie for Kaptography 

    Eggy Andria, muse and runway...

    Renee Reese Collins, runway

    Farrah Graham (left) and Meghan Reed (right), runway...

Best dressed 2014... Who will be next??? Quien será, será, será???

Well, who it will be among Raoul Blanco’s couture circle - Louisiana’s Five Best Dressed Ladies for 2014?  Just watching, indeed I am……

Raoul Blanco Couture Circle presents the "Five Best Dressed Ladies of Louisiana 2013" - Mrs. Gayle Marie Benson

Mrs. Gayle Marie Benson

Written by Ms. Patricia Gannon - Society writer

Orleanian Gayle Benson talks as if she’s always known you. It’s innate to the Crescent City, just like their style. Speaking from Maine, she’s graciously asked to be called Eastern Time. “He knows I’m talking to you this morning,” she laughs when her husband Tom interrupts. “He doesn’t want anything.” She is New Orleans inside and out, original with a sense of tradition. Crescent City women dress to be noticed and Benson never buys what’s trendy, but customizes her Chanel to suit herself. She likes Chanel’s crisp, yet beautiful lines. “A lot of custom needs remaking,” she explains. “You can do that with Chanel, move things around. Chanel has big seams. Sometimes I add the pieces onto a purse. It just looks different.”

Her fashion philosophy comes easily. “I read a lot, and you should always figure out early on who you are and who you want to be. Then stick with it. It all depends on you. If you’re comfortable, you can carry it off.”

Benson’s bespoke tailoring takes a backseat to the greater good, however, and she takes pride in helping as many as she can. Her latest project is the Notre Dame Seminary, a $25 million renovation for which she and Tom donated the startup. “It’s important to get others involved. There’s a need.” she said.

How did she land among Louisiana’s Best Dressed women? “People look at you differently than you see
yourself,” she laughs. “I’m very humbled.


”

Something new... Are you ready?

Well ladies and gentlemen, with just two months to say good bye to the current year 2013 I will begin this blog, "Raoul's watching"... I invite you to stay tune and find out who I'll be talking too or about, latest news about fashion and style, current affairs and their attendees and what do I share with the grand "La Loba"... Tighten up your seat belts, and let's talk like it is! There is no editor or publisher to direct or control my views in here... Are you ready??? I am... I'll be watching... Raoul Blanco